Common Grackle

Although the name Common Grackle does not sound impressive or dazzling, this bird does have an eye-catching metallic purple and bronze color that is particularly noticeable when the sun's rays catch the colors.

Interestingly, the Common Grackle lets ants crawl up its body, most likely to eat any parasites that are clinging to its body.

Facts

Appearance of the Common Grackle

Although the name does not sound spectacular, the Common Grackle has an eye-catching metallic purple and bronze color. The large male blackbird has a glossy purple or green head, neck and breast. Some types of the Grackle have a bronze body while other types are purple throughout the body.

The female grackle is smaller than the male and not quite as flashy in coloring. These birds grow 11-13 inches in length and weigh between 2 1/2 ounces to 5 ounces.

Interestingly, the Common Grackle lets ants crawl up its body, most likely to eat any parasites that are clinging to its body. If ants cannot be found, this bird has been observed using lemons, walnut juice and mothballs for that purpose.

Local Environments of the Common Grackle

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